My mum has asked me to grow her some fennel and marjoram, but I've had a look through the garden centres and I can't seem to find it anywhere! Can anyone recommend someone online where I could get some seeds?
I can give you some fennel seeds if you want. They're from Franchi (seeds of italy)
Seeds of Italy
they do Finocchio di Mantova, which can be planted out now, to pick June through to August, and Florence Fennel, plant in May / June, and pick September.
I have tried Florence Fennel 2 years running in very different soils / conditions, and had great results. Very aromatic and lovely white bulbs.
Last Sunday I sowed the Mantova variety (indoors) and it has just come up, and will go out by mid-April (fingers crossed the frost is over for good by then) - as it's the first time I can't comment yet, but in general the Franchi (Seeds of Italy) seeds are very reliable: they do what it says on the package.
Thanks for the info - I don't even know what fennel looks like lol but apparently my mum likes it :D It's funny, she laughs at me for being obsessed with growing stuff, yet I'm the first one she comes to...........me thinks she be laughing on t'other side of face shortly!! lol ;D
Here's a pic of Florence Fennel - the bulb has a crunchy texture and a great fragrance: (http://www.thevga.co.uk/misc/fennel.jpg)
Quite easy to grow but gets a bit woody when it starts to go to seed (the middle stem starts elongating).
Best to sow several small batchs to spread the availability rather than have them all come at once.
These people are always good
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/fennel.html
I have some spare Florence Fennel seeds - pm me your address if you'd like some sent out to you.
Cheers